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Sinn Féin member of the Public Accounts Committee, David Cullinane TD, has said today that the government and Minister Shane Ross have serious questions to answer regarding the procedure used to reopen Stepaside Garda station.

Speaking at the launch of the PAC interim report, Deputy Cullinane said:

"The head of Dublin policing told the Public Accounts Committee that the reopening of Stepaside Garda station was not a priority, and that he had more pressing demands on resources across the region.

"Gardaí on the ground are screaming out for resources to tackle gun crime and gangland murders, yet we have Minister Ross pushing pet projects and stroke politics.

"Any decision to reopen a Garda station must take into account the best use of Garda resources, use of state funds and policing priorities.

"It should not be based on whatever pet projects are in the back pockets of cabinet Ministers.

"Given the need for a holistic review of resources, Minister Flanagan has to explain why Stepaside was chosen above other needs.

"It is hard not to conclude that this was done to give Minister Shane Ross a trophy.

"The government needs to understand that trophies do not make for sound policies.

"We need accountability in public office, and here is a shining example of why we need a real change in Irish politics."